KUCHING: Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian highlighted the significance of unity within Sarawak’s medical fraternity and the advancements achieved in healthcare.
The Deputy Premier made this statement during his address at the inauguration of the new office for the Society of Private Medical Practitioners Sarawak (SPMPS) and Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) Sarawak at The Podium Street Mall today (Jan 1).
In his speech, Sim highlighted the state’s medical achievements despite its limited resources. Sarawak has approximately 4,600 doctors, but only 659 are in private practice and 357 operate private clinics.
“Despite these constraints, Sarawak’s public health system has garnered international recognition, with the World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledging it as a leading example in the Western Pacific region.
“Sixty years after the formation of Malaysia, we have achieved significant success in healthcare, even with the challenges we face,” he said.
The Sarawak Heart Center was highlighted as a prime example of excellence. Recently named one of Asia-Pacific’s top 100 cardiac institutions, it has conducted groundbreaking clinical trials and attracted significant investment.
He noted that Sarawak’s ability to secure “first-in-human” clinical trials and its selection by global companies such as AstraZeneca demonstrate the state’s medical talent and institutionalized culture of excellence.
He also touched on Sarawak’s ongoing push for greater autonomy in healthcare under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). While the federal government has agreed in principle to delegate health administration to Sarawak, implementation details remain unresolved.
He expressed confidence in Sarawak’s ability to manage its healthcare system more effectively, pointing out that 70 per cent of clinics and hospitals in Sarawak are in dire condition due to decades of underfunding.
“Sarawak in 2025 is vastly different from Sarawak in 2014, the growing interest in Sarawak as a destination for talent and investment, the establishment of new private hospitals, and the opening of UNIMAS Hospital are milestones in the state’s journey toward healthcare self-reliance.
“The future of Sarawak’s healthcare lies not just in infrastructure but in the dedication and talent of its people,” he added.
